The road to the Olympics, leads to no city, no country. It goes far beyond New York or Moscow, ancient Greece or Nazi Germany. The road to the Olympics leads — in the end — to the best within us.
Jesse OwensRead
I realized now that militancy in the best sense of the word was the only answer where the black man was concerned, that any black man who wasn't a militant in 1970 was either blind or a coward.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of being assertive and proactive in the fight for equality and justice for black individuals.
Jesse Owens reflects on the essential nature of militancy as a response to the challenges faced by black people in 1970. He suggests that in a time of systemic oppression and civil rights struggles, adopting a militant stance is not just necessary but a mark of awareness and bravery; to be passive or non-militant is to ignore the harsh realities and risks faced by the black community.
Themes
MilitancyBlack EmpowermentCourageActivismJustice
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech at a civil rights rally, one might use this quote to inspire action among the audience.
More from Jesse Owens
All quotes →If you don't try to win you might as well hold the Olympics in somebody's back yard. The thrill of competing carries with it the thrill of a gold medal. One wants to win to prove himself the best.
Jesse OwensRead
A lifetime of training for just ten seconds.
Jesse OwensRead
In the end, it's extra effort that separates a winner from second place. But winning takes a lot more that that, too. It starts with complete command of the fundamentals. Then it takes desire, determination, discipline, and self-sacrifice. And finally, it takes a great deal of love, fairness and respect for your fellow man. Put all these together, and even if you don't win, how can you lose?
Jesse OwensRead
When I came back, after all those stories about Hitler and his snub, I came back to my native country, and I could not ride in the front of the bus. I had to go to the back door. I couldn't live where I wanted. Now what's the difference?
Jesse OwensRead
I wanted no part of politics. And I wasn't in Berlin to compete against any one athlete. The purpose of the Olympics, anyway, was to do your best. As I'd learned long ago from Charles Riley, the only victory that counts is the one over yourself.
Jesse OwensRead
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